A security guard needed metal plates in his jaw after a suspected shoplifter attacked him inside a Marks & Spencer’s store.

The guard followed the man as he left the shop in Victoria Station at 7.10pm on May 23 as he believed he was shoplifting.

At first the man was willing to cooperate and accompanied the guard to back of the shop.

Wanted: do you recognise this man?

But once inside he turned on the guard, kicked and punched him in the face, leaving his jaw fractured in two places before he fled the shop.

The victim was left needing metal plates inserted inside his jaw.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Paula Eustance said: “All incidents of violence are unacceptable and anyone working or travelling on the rail network should be able to go about their business without fear of attack.